'Hangover' sequel takes in US$31 million on first day

Director of the movie Todd Phillips (R) poses with cast members (from L-R) Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms at the premiere of ''The Hangover Part II'' at Grauman''s Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California May 19, 2011.

Raunchy comedy sequel "The Hangover Part II" got off to a roaring start at the North American box office taking in about US$31.7 million on its opening day, according to estimates by movie studio Warner Bros today.

The strong early start yesterday put the movie on track to gross about US$110-$125 million domestically for its five day run over the US Memorial Day long weekend, Hollywood box-office watchers said.

Critics say "Hangover Part II" has a plot almost identical to that of the 2009 original, but switches the action from Las Vegas to Bangkok. "The Hangover" grossed US$468 million worldwide, making it the most successful R-rated comedy of all time.

With DreamWorks family animated movie "Kung Fu Panda 2", distributed by Paramount Pictures also opening, the long weekend is looking strong for Hollywood studios at the traditional start of the summer movie season.

Walt Disney Co's "Pirates of the Caribbean; On Stranger Tides" goes into its second week after a US$90.1 North American box office haul last weekend.

"It's a great combination of films," said Paul Dergarabedian, box office analyst with Hollywood.com.

"This is going to be one of the strongest Memorial Day weekends at the box office, with an expected gross over the four days of about US$200 million," he said.